Development Internship
Last Updated:Jul 17th, 2026
Development Internship
Description
GENERAL FUNCTION:
Indiana Wish is dedicated to granting wishes to children ages 3 - 18 in Indiana diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Since its inception in 1984, over 3,500 wishes have been granted. Our team includes an Executive Director, a Wish Coordinator, a Development Director, and a Strategic Engagement and Events Coordinator. Wishes have been granted in 88 Indiana counties.
The Development Intern will collaborate with the Indiana Wish team, specifically the Development Director, to expand the organization's donor and supporter pipeline and assist with various projects.
Internship Overview: Indiana Wish seeks a motivated and enthusiastic intern to join our team. This internship offers hands-on experience in non-profit development. The intern will work closely with our staff to support our mission and gain valuable skills in the non-profit sector.
PLEASE NOTE: Indiana Wish is seeking someone who plans to enter the nonprofit job market. This role has the potential to lead to a full-time role with our organization.
Non-Profit Development:
- Assist in donor research and cultivation.
- Become knowledgeable about Indiana Wish CRM (DonorPerfect).
- Help maintain the DonorPerfect CRM.
- Support grant writing and reporting processes.
- Help maintain donor databases and track contributions
- Participate in fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
- Help to brainstorm for community opportunities.
- Cold-call for community fundraising opportunities throughout the state of Indiana.
- Assist in writing thank-you notes to donors.
Benefits:
- Gain hands-on experience in non-profit management.
- Work closely with a dedicated and passionate team.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families.
- Networking opportunities within the non-profit sector.
- Academic credit (if applicable).
Responsibilities
*PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following functions describe the essential duties of this role.
- Research potential donors and strategic partners
- Assist with data entry into Donor Perfect, Indiana Wish CRM
- Help with reports and presentations
- Draft correspondence, proposals, and donor appeals
- Assist with mailings, filing, and special projects as needed
- Write thank you notes
- Provide support at any Indiana Wish special event during the internship
- Assist with community fundraising involving third parties
- Maintain the family's confidentiality at all times.
- Perform additional duties as required.
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
- High School Graduate; currently working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree.
- Preferably a university major in not-for-profit management, philanthropic studies, marketing, business, or related fields.
- Excellent written, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficient in online research skills.
- Ability to present yourself professionally.
- Flexible weekday hours may require minimum night and weekend hours for events, if interested.
PREREQUISITE SKILLS:
- Enjoy working on the phone.
- Passion for helping others and the non-profit community.
- Ability to effectively provide customer service to all donors and contacts.
- Ability to communicate openly, honestly, directly, and effectively with all staff through written and verbal skills.
- Understanding/experience with computers, including recent versions of Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Zoom Meetings, and CRM basics.
- Possible lifting of boxes and moving of equipment for special events.
- Background Checks will be required and paid for by Indiana Wish.
Learning Objectives
The intern will gain practical experience in:
- Non-profit Fundraising
- Program administration
- Donor and community engagement
- Professional writing and project management
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